Is the right to freedom of religious expression abused?

Question

Taking into account terrorism and cults, why do western societies allow the status of "religion" to apply to sects that promote violence and discord? This automatically gives them protection under the law to call you a bigot for calling their actions into question? Have we got it backward?

Answer 1

Extremely.

Answer 2

Of course it is: every freedom is abused by some people. But what is the alternative? If you make a law that bars certain religions, how do you decide which ones? We already have laws against all sorts of behavior that might be called religious rites, such as sacrificing virgins. There are even laws against setting fires except under certain conditions, even though some religions call for fires outdoors. Whether you want to worship around it or not, you need a permit from the fire marshall. But to prevent people from saying bigoted things, you would need to curtail freedom of speech, and we have enough limits on free speech already.

Our First Amendment was put first for a very good reason. And the rules about religion and about free speech and freedom of assembly were put in the same amendment for a reason. This is our most precious heritage:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Answer 3

I think the problem stems from people suing under the guise of freedom of religion.

Most people think freedom means they can do what ever they want and that no one has the right to question them.

We have the right idea people should be allowed to believe what they want as long as they don't infringe on other peoples personal liberties.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, most any religious belief can be carried to an extreme; it's the "nature of the beast," pardon the expression.

I've come fact-to-face with some homegrown, American religious fanatics, and they firmly believe that Jesus gives them the license to just get up in peoples' faces and insult them "in the name of the Lord."

And, of course, if you rebuke them, it serves only to enforce their notion that they're "martyrs."

I was thankful that regarding the particular group I'm talking about, a district court judge explained to their "leader" the difference between "witnessing" and harassment.

Answer 5

Interesting theory... but the right to religious freedom remains of the utmost importance. This includes the right that those of any particular religion have to defend themselves though. And killing is definitely wronge, and cannot be tolerated. Especially if it is killing someone in a discriminatory fashion (i.e. because of race, religion, sex, etc.) Allah (God) knows best!

Answer 6

When a judge attempts to install a monument to his own religion in the court house the answer is a resounding yes.

Answer 7

yes it is, it gets abused all the time. when muslims are calling for the death of jews in the uk during a demonstration, that's no longer freedom of religious expression, it's inciting violence.

Answer 8

Yes,nobody wants to be responsible for their actions. love and light

Answer 9

And just who will decide what's acceptable for everyone? You? Why are you so uncomfortable with freedom?

Answer 10

Yes, and the blind followers kill just trying to prove their point.